[GranteedEV]

When I think of what I want out of Mark Jankowski, I think of finely tuned play at centre, using his skating and reach to weave through neutral ice, his vision and passing and wrister to spark scoring chances, and his lower body strength and hands to park himself in front of the net as a screen. I don't think that's going to happen on the fourth line babysitting Brandon Bollig. I also think Sean Monahan and Sam Bennett require the same development, and Backlund is necessary to keep every gear moving like clockwork. Moving Jankowski to wing would be actively slowing his development. He needs to play centre, even if it's as 1C in Stockton until there is an injury. Even two months of playing centre against pros will be good for him. He still needs to improve on draws, he still needs to learn to play with skilled forwards like Eatbread and Pribyl (remember he was dragging around Mingoia in college and Elson/Hathaway in his first AHL stint). I want him to apply his skill the best he can and dominate the AHL in all facets - PP, 5V5, PK, so he doesn't get conveniently buried on the NHL squad in a permanent depth role. I also think he can help improve the AHL team in the standings as an aside.

When I think of what I want out of Tkachuk as a rookie, I really just think of a competent Jiri Hudler or Joe Colborne replacement. That's two 40-50+ point forwards we have subtracted, and our forwards need someone to play with. Additionally Tkatchuk cannot be sent to the AHL, and if we send him down to the OHL he may not even make it in time for playoffs with London being perennially stacked.

If I had to pick one, I would pick Tkachuk. My preference though? Chiasson revisiting his form from his Dallas days and being that Colborne replacement, A guy like Poirier breaking out and making the team out of camp, and Tkachuk going down to London for a good developmental year.